A recent article by ESPN’s Heather Dinich highlighted various players who decided to return to college, and as a result, bolstered their respective teams’ College Football Playoff chances.

Dinich, ESPN’s lead College Football Playoff insider, named Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik among 12 CFP impact players who stuck around.

Dinich ranked Klubnik at No. 3 on that list, behind LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

Here’s what Dinich wrote about what Klubnik’s return means, and why his decision to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and stay put at Clemson makes the Tigers a playoff contender:

On paper, Clemson has enough offensive firepower returning to elevate the Tigers into a deeper CFP run than their first-round exit in 2024 and they should have the Heisman-contending quarterback the program has desperately missed. Klubnik leads a Clemson offense that is No. 1 in the FBS in returning production (81%), according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly. Klubnik reestablished himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country following a down season in 2023. Last year, his 308 completions, 3,639 passing yards and 36 passing touchdowns all ranked among the best seasons in program history. As he enters his third season as a starter under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik’s understanding of the offense and his relationship with Riley has grown, positioning Klubnik for what should be his best season with the Tigers.

Last season, Klubnik was one of two quarterbacks in the country to throw for more than 3,500 yards and run for 400. The former five-star prospect from Texas also finished second nationally in total touchdowns with 43. He was third nationally in touchdown passes with 36, and his six interceptions were second fewest among quarterbacks who threw 28 or more touchdown passes in 2024.

Klubnik’s performance last season guided the Tigers back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. He also led Clemson to another ACC Championship, while he earned his second MVP award in the title game, becoming only the third player ever to win multiple ACC Championship Game MVP honors.

Klubnik enters his senior season in 2025 having thrown for 7,180 yards with 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions over 37 games (28 starts) from 2022-24. He has also rushed for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns on 286 rushing attempts over his first three seasons.

Along with putting LSU’s Nussmeier at No. 1, Dinich ranked South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers at No. 5 on her list of CFP impact players.

Clemson will open the 2025 season against LSU and Nussmeier at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30, and of course, Clemson will conclude the regular season against Sellers and rival South Carolina in Columbia on Nov. 29.